A UGA Extension Agents’ Newsletter for Horse Owners and Professionals
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You’re dripping sweat from cleaning stalls and it’s only 8:30 a.m. Welcome to summertime in Georgia. As the sun gets higher, so does the temperature and we all know our horses begin hunting the trees and shade. Horse will often adjust on their own to the heat and rising temperatures, but owners still need to…
Posted in: Vol. 4 | June 2021 -
The most common fly on horses is the stable fly. This bloodsucking fly looks like a house fly – it’s the same size and coloration – and has even been called the “biting house fly.” But, of course, house flies can’t bite. If you look closely, you’ll see the mouthpart projecting from the front of…
Posted in: Vol. 4 | June 2021 -
The six basic equine nutrient categories are simple: carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. Water intake is self-regulated and horses on average drink 5-15 (or more) gallons of water per day depending on temperature, humidity, and activity level. That leaves the horse owner being responsible for ensuring a balanced diet based off the other…
Posted in: Vol. 4 | June 2021 -
Spring is here and we often think about breeding season as new life pops up everywhere. The first question to ask isn’t, “Will my mare breed?” but “Should my mare be bred?” It’s possible you would be happier with adopting or rescuing an unwanted horse that you can ride now rather than breeding and waiting…
Posted in: Vol. 4 | June 2021 -
Yes, admittedly I do love the show, but that’s not what I wanted to discuss today. In the horse world, we tend to readily share our thoughts, opinions, experiences, and anything else that comes to mind. In many cases, this is one of the best parts of our equine community, but it can also be…
Posted in: Vol. 4 | June 2021 -
Does it get more basic horsemanship than safely haltering a horse? Probably not, yet this portion is often glazed over to “get to the good stuff.” Spend some time in club discussing the importance of safely approaching and catching a horse. Demonstrate the different types of halters and their pressure points. A rope halter has…
Posted in: Vol. 4 | June 2021 -
The Georgia National Fairgrounds turn green the second full week June every year as 4-H’ers from across the state travel with their equine show partners to participate in the Georgia 4-H State Horse Show. Over a span of five days 4-H’ers will have the opportunity to compete in six different disciplines, build their equine networks,…
Posted in: Vol. 3 | March 2021 -
Stubborn as a mule? Is a mule really that stubborn? As a 6 year old girl riding her small donkey “Poncho”, I would have most certainly said, “Yes.” On a hot summer day I was riding Poncho around the yard bareback having a grand time until the brakes went on. Poncho had decided his entertainment…
Posted in: Vol. 3 | March 2021 -
It is always best to be prepared when traveling with horses. Always pack at least one day ahead to ensure you have time to locate all items needed. The last thing you want to do is be scrambling the night before (or the morning of)! Here are some essential items to have in your horse…
Posted in: Vol. 3 | March 2021 -
As show season and warmer weather approaches, traveling with your horses to shows or trail rides will become a regular occurrence. The safety of you, the horse and the equipment is important to focus on before traveling and trailering your horse. By being unprepared and not performing routine maintenance, you can become stranded and as…
Posted in: Vol. 3 | March 2021